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AC/DC's Angus Young At 70: 5 Shocking New Facts About The Guitar God And The 2025 Power Up Tour

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As of late 2025, the high-voltage rock and roll machine known as AC/DC is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down, with the band's iconic co-founder and lead guitarist, Angus Young, defying the laws of age and physics on stage. The man in the signature schoolboy uniform, who turned 70 on March 31, 2025, continues to be the electrifying, non-stop engine of one of the world's greatest rock bands, leading the charge for the massive, extended Power Up Tour into 2026.

This article dives deep into the latest updates, from the confirmed 2025 touring lineup to the rampant new album speculation, giving you the most current and unique look at the life and career of the diminutive giant of rock, Angus Young, as he cements his legacy as the last continuous original member of AC/DC.

The Life and Legacy of Angus Young: A Complete Profile

Angus McKinnon Young is not just a guitarist; he is the visual and sonic embodiment of AC/DC, known for his frenetic stage energy, duck-walking antics, and raw, blues-infused guitar riffs. His commitment to the Gibson SG and the schoolboy uniform has made him one of the most recognizable figures in music history.

  • Full Name: Angus McKinnon Young
  • Date of Birth: March 31, 1955
  • Age (Late 2025): 70 years old
  • Birthplace: Cranhill, Glasgow, Scotland
  • Nationality: Australian (moved to Sydney, Australia, with his family in 1963)
  • Role in AC/DC: Co-founder, Lead Guitarist, Songwriter, and only continuous original member.
  • Signature Look: The schoolboy uniform, which he began wearing as a joke suggested by his sister, Margaret Young.
  • Marital Status: Married since 1980 to Ellen van Lochem.
  • Children: None.
  • Height: Approximately 5'2" (157 cm).
  • Primary Instrument: Gibson SG (specifically the 1961 Les Paul SG Standard).

The High-Voltage Lineup: Who’s Powering Up with Angus in 2025/2026?

The continuation of the Power Up Tour into 2025 and 2026 is a massive statement from a band whose future was once uncertain. For their highly anticipated North American leg, which kicks off in April 2025, the band features a lineup that blends rock royalty veterans with a fresh, powerhouse rhythm section.

The current touring lineup for the 2025/2026 dates is a testament to Angus Young’s determination to keep the AC/DC name alive, following the passing of his brother and co-founder, Malcolm Young, in 2017.

The Confirmed AC/DC Power Up Tour Lineup

The band’s structure for the 2025 shows is confirmed, featuring two long-time veterans, a Young family member, and two new, world-class touring musicians:

  • Angus Young: Lead Guitar. The only constant member since the band's formation in 1973.
  • Brian Johnson: Vocals. Returning after his hearing issues forced a temporary hiatus during the Rock or Bust tour. His return has been hailed by fans globally.
  • Stevie Young: Rhythm Guitar. Nephew of Angus and Malcolm Young, he officially replaced Malcolm in 2014 and has been a steady presence ever since.
  • Matt Laug: Drums. Laug, a seasoned session and touring drummer (known for work with Alanis Morissette and Alice Cooper), officially joined the touring lineup, taking over from Phil Rudd.
  • Chris Chaney: Bass. A highly respected bassist (known for Jane's Addiction and Taylor Hawkins' projects), Chaney stepped in for the legendary Cliff Williams, who had retired from touring. His addition brings a fresh, dynamic low-end to the band.

This configuration—dubbed by some as the "new iteration" of AC/DC—has successfully energized the band, allowing them to deliver the classic, raw sound that their legions of fans demand across stadium dates throughout North America and beyond.

Behind the Riffs: The Secrets to Angus Young's Eternal Energy and Sound

At 70 years old, Angus Young’s stage performance is still a spectacle of non-stop motion, head-banging, and his signature "duck walk." Fans and critics alike are astonished that he maintains this level of physical intensity, often noting that he "forgot he's 70."

1. The Unchanging Gear: Gibson SG and Marshall Amps

Angus is perhaps the most famous proponent of the Gibson SG, a guitar model he has used almost exclusively throughout his entire career. His tone—often described as raw, biting, and overdriven—is achieved with remarkable simplicity. He plugs his SG directly into a Marshall amplifier, typically a JTM45 or a 100-watt JMP, with minimal use of effects pedals. This direct, no-frills approach is the core of AC/DC’s sound: pure, unadulterated rock and roll.

2. The Blues Foundation and Malcolm's Influence

While AC/DC is universally classified as hard rock, the foundation of Angus's lead work is deeply rooted in blues music. His solos are concise, melodic, and highly memorable, utilizing techniques like string bending, vibrato, and the minor pentatonic scale. He has cited blues legends and early rock and roll pioneers as his primary influences. Furthermore, his synergy with his late brother, Malcolm Young, who played rhythm guitar, created the massive, driving wall of sound that defined the band's career. Malcolm's tight, powerful rhythm is often cited as the true secret to AC/DC's sonic success.

3. The 'Thunderbolt Express' Album Rumor

Despite the ongoing success of the Power Up Tour (named after their 2020 album), speculation about new music is rampant. Rumors have surfaced online about a potential new album titled "Thunderbolt Express," with some fan discussions even suggesting a February 2025 release date. While this remains unconfirmed by the band's official channels, the fact that the band is actively touring and performing at such a high level keeps the door open for future studio activity. The band’s previous album, Power Up, was recorded with producer Brendan O’Brien and engineer Mike Fraser, and it is not out of the question that they may return to the studio with the current lineup, especially if the tour continues its momentum into 2026.

What’s Next for the Rock and Roll Titan?

With the Power Up Tour firmly established as a multi-year global event, Angus Young's focus remains on the stage. The 2025 North American leg, followed by confirmed dates extending into 2026, ensures that the world will continue to witness the unique spectacle of one of rock's most enduring figures.

Angus Young’s 40+ year marriage to his wife, Ellen van Lochem, and his choice to have no children, has often led to the observation that AC/DC is, in fact, his true "baby." His dedication is total, and as the last original member still performing, he carries the weight of the band's history with every riff. At 70, Angus Young is not just celebrating a long career; he is actively writing its next, most surprising chapter, proving that for AC/DC, the power surge is far from over.

ac dc angus young
ac dc angus young

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